SRINAGAR: National Conference (NC) leader and Member of Parliament Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi on Saturday reiterated that the party’s primary struggle is for the restoration of the constitutional guarantees revoked on August 5, 2019, and not merely for the return of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing media persons in Srinagar, Mehdi emphasised that the abrogation of Article 370 remains the core issue for the NC and the people of the region. “Our fight is not just for statehood. Our fight is for the constitutional guarantee that was snatched from us on August 5, 2019. We should not forget our fight,” he stated.
The MP from Srinagar asserted that the demand for Article 370’s restoration is rooted in the Instrument of Accession, which granted Jammu and Kashmir its special status within the Union of India. “Our struggle is to reverse the decisions that were taken in August 2019,” he said.
Commenting on the recent Ashura procession, Mehdi alleged it was politically exploited. “The procession was used for propaganda. You must have seen how Amit Shah used it in Parliament, claiming that earlier it was not allowed and now permission was granted,” he said, accusing the Union Home Minister of attempting to sow divisions between Shia and Sunni communities.
Mehdi further criticised the Union government for projecting superficial symbols of normalcy. “He equated the Muharram procession with cinema halls and liquor shops as signs of normalcy. If they were truly committed to religious freedom, they would have ensured unrestricted access to Jama Masjid,” he said, referring to longstanding restrictions on prayers at the historic mosque.
Mehdi said the National Conference may consider moving the Supreme Court, depending on the legislative developments. “If a bill is presented in Parliament, we will deliberate on it. But I remind you again, our fight is beyond that. Our fight is for the constitutional guarantee.”
Responding to remarks made by party leaders Dr Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah, he said, “Farooq sahib has stated that we want to approach the Supreme Court. Omar sahib has said he is ready to resign if required. But again, our fight is not limited to statehood.”
Addressing a local issue, Mehdi expressed concern over delays in policy decisions affecting students and called on the law department to expedite its response. “The more it gets delayed, the more students suffer. Exams are being held, so it should be implemented soon,” he said.
He also congratulated students and faculty of the Exceptional Academy after some students qualified NEET and civil services exams. “I thank the faculty for their efforts and hope these students will contribute to society,” he added.
